Recently we were alerted to new photos of a Whole Foods Market in Chicago, IL that features a variety of our wood products throughout, plus custom trusses in the bar area from our sister company, New Energy Works. It’s funny how often “finished shots” of a project don’t arrive until a year or two (or more!) after its completion. This project was no exception having opened in early 2017. I struck out to learn more about it, connecting with Mark Scherrer, Senior Associate at BRR Architecture and lead architect for this particular Whole Foods, known to us as “Lakeview”. Mark recalled the store with ease and answered questions before I even asked:

If you’re not familiar with Whole Foods, they’re an award-winning national grocer with a solid ethos and product focus on natural and organic foods. The stores are an experience, each one unique–any chance we have to visit one, we take it!

Each Whole Foods Market is one-of-a-kind, fitted to the region and needs of customers. Departments within the stores are very purposefully designed and carefully integrated with each other to create a cohesive look and feel. Mark explained that for Lakeview: “The wood products from Pioneer Millworks were used as both defining and unifying elements. Cleaner and lighter wood planking installed at an angle welcomes customers and defines key areas such as the Cheese Shop and Juice Bar.”

We recently salvaged hard maple court flooring from a past life with the Portland Trail Blazers. We’ve added to the collection, incorporating a bit more flame with court flooring sections from the Portland Fire, Portland Oregon’s WNBA team. Attached to plywood, we’re selling all Blazer and Fire tops/pieces in 4’x8′ sheets or cut-to-size.

Luca, our supermodel in Portland, shows off some of the Portland Fire tops.

Long Leaf Southern Yellow Pine, aka Heart Pine, is called “the wood America was built with” due to its prevalence in construction during the Industrial Revolution. The Wilton Woolen Mill was no exception, though it was built towards the tail end of this revolution (1840) in Wilton, Maine. We’re excited to usher over 750 Heart Pine post and beam timbers salvaged during the deconstruction to new uses.

Heart Pine timbers and posts supported the factory for generations prior to their reclamation.

Chevrons, herringbones, versailles, basket weaves–patterns. They’re everywhere! We’ve been talking about this trend of patterns and asking: what is it that makes people attracted to them? It turns out there are studies that look at our brain’s reactions and our emotional reactions to patterns. We see patterns even where there are no patterns.

So what is it about patterns that keep us coming back for more? We know they allow us to simplify daily life. Patterns can be calming and comfortable. Or intense and exciting. Here are the top patterns we’re seeing today (and why they’re attractive):

1): Chevrons and herringbones: The repetition and symmetry of these patterns in natural or monochromatic tones evokes the calming and harmonious. The angles inherent in herringbone and chevron give the surface a gentle movement, allowing the eye to travel up and down in a soothing manner.